Past (12th july 2008)

 PAST (12^TH JULY 2008)

Packing your bags and coming over to a new place, a new city is undoubtedly a nervous experience for a pampered kid, especially a girl! I had completed my schooling from Dehradun public school and with a good score in my boards and my competitions; my graduation thing brought me Delhi. Delhi the capital city of India is known for its speed, population and a crowd that refuses to slow down. For every father sending his girl to a city like Delhi was not an easy thing. My dad was no different. I had seen his face go pale with emotions when he left me at the college gate to catch his train back to Dehradun. My dad could be defined as a strict, a very strict protective and immensely loving man for his daughters. He could not tolerate indiscipline in his house and academics meant a lot to him. He had always wished to see me as an IITian but I failed to get through. In the counselling I got options among which JAYPEE College seemed to be the best one. So with a lot of dreams, anxiety and nervousness I reached Delhi and my darling parents did came along me. We reached Delhi early morning and my dad’s old friend was there to receive us at the station. We reached uncle’s home to freshen up and then leave for college. Aunty welcomed us warmly and treated us to a mesmerizing breakfast. We got ready and left for college in uncle’s car. When I saw the college campus from the gate it filled me with emotions, anxiety and a unusual curiosity. I wondered what these next four years had in store for me. We checked for the hostel list that showed

NANDITA SHEKHAWAT

ROOM ALOTTED: 107

We reached the room on the first floor and I was the first one in the room, my roomies were still to come. Ma helped me unpack my heavy bags and arrange my chores. The cupboards provided were spacious enough. We sat down tired and dad brought cold water bottles and something to eat. In no time I saw a tall girl enter the room carrying heavy luggage all by herself. She saw me and we exchanged smiles. Her dad was there at her back. She introduced herself. “Hey I am tanisha from Ludhiana and you?” “NANDITA from Dehradun. Nice to see you. She arranged her stuff, too much stuff actually, and sat down exhausted. My and her dad was discussing college management, politics and the general men stuff. Ma and papa had to leave by evening because they had a train to catch next early morning. Dad handed me my ATM and some money, hugged me tight and told me to be a nice girl and not get spoilt. He asked to maintain my focus on my studies. Ma hugged me tighter and I could see her crying which made me lose control for some moments and then with all my courage I bid them goodbye. I came back to the hostel room and went asleep. Tanisha was on a call, later she told me it was her boyfriend who too studied in Delhi and was a year older to her.

Next day, the first day of college was indeed an exciting idea to think about. I woke up, got ready and left in time and after several attempts Tanisha did not wake up. She begged for few more minutes and buried her face into her pillow again and again. I reached college and checked my registration slip which said “ECE-A”. I entered the class to see a group of people each of a different appearance, of a different world. Some were calm, others talking and few scared and silent and me was of the first category. I was nervous but my face looked calm. First lecture resumed at 9:30, according to time table was “Material Science”.  A geek kind of fat man entered the hall and introduced himself as Mr. Pankaj Varshney, and gave the beginner details of subject and exams. Fifteen minutes had passed when a deep heavy voice drew my eyes towards the door. “Sir, May I get in?”  Almost the entire class looked at the door. I raised my eyes from my notebook to see a tall, gleam and arrogant looking guy standing out there, wearing rugged cargo pants and a pale white shirt. He looked so different and weird to me. Sir made a disgusted expression to see him and blurted “very soon gentleman??” The boy didn’t say a word in explanation.  The teacher was irritated to see him this late on the very first day of college. ”Have another few minutes with yourself. Enter class after this hour..!”- Sir said.  He followed and left. After the first lecture, that weird guy entered the class with an aggressive look. I have no idea why my eyes followed him till he seated in his seat diagonal to me. Next class of French resumed and a good looking smart lady came in introduced herself as our French teacher. She announced that each student will stand up and speak about themselves. “Myself VIREN DEWAN from New Delhi.” My weirdo’s introduction was that…!!